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Speaker of Parliament Calls for Collective Action to End Corruption.
In a compelling keynote address at the Governance and Anti-Corruption Summit organized by the Bright Future Alliance, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin emphasized the urgent need for Ghana to break the pervasive chains of corruption.
Highlighting the destructive impact of corruption on national development, he noted that millions of cedis are lost daily to illicit activities, compromising essential public services and undermining democratic institutions.
Bagbin stressed that corruption disproportionately affects the poor and widens inequality, thereby stalling efforts towards poverty alleviation and economic growth.
The Speaker pointed out that Ghana is losing billions of dollars annually due to corruption, tax evasion, and illicit financial flows.
Citing reports such as the Justice Anim Report of 1970 and recent data from the World Bank and Auditor-General, he illustrated the significant resource leakages that hinder the country’s progress.
He referenced the U$12 million paid for the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam when no work had been completed, symbolizing how corruption robs the nation of opportunities to improve living conditions and reduce poverty.
Speaket Bagbin underscored the importance of civic engagement and institutional reforms, noting Parliament’s efforts to strengthen oversight through various committees and increased transparency initiatives.
He highlighted new measures like the establishment of Departments of Public Engagement and Citizen’s Bureau, designed to amplify citizen participation and ensure government accountability.
However, he emphasized that building a culture of integrity must start from individual homes, schools, and communities, advocating for values such as honesty and ethical leadership to be ingrained from a young age.
Concluding with a call to action, the Speaker urged Ghanaian youth to become active participants in the anti-corruption fight.
He announced the recent inauguration of the National Integrity Award Scheme aimed at rewarding integrity and promoting ethical behavior across society.
Bagbin stressed that empowering the next generation is a shared responsibility and emphasized that young people are already leaders today.
He called on all stakeholders to work collectively through reforms, civic vigilance, and education to create a Ghana free of corruption, ensuring a brighter, more equitable future for generations to come.
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Speaker of Parliament inaugurates open Parliament Steering Committee, launches action plan
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Open Parliament Steering Committee and the Open Parliament Action Plan.
The ceremony was under the theme “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action.”
The Speaker highlighted the critical role Parliament plays in translating the will of the people into inclusive legislation, responsive policies, and accountable governance.
“The International Day of Parliamentarianism is worth celebrating, as it offers an opportunity not only to recognise and promote achievements in strengthening democratic governance, but also to pause and reflect on the remaining gaps in institutionalising parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He noted that the event was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Parliamentarianism to reinforce the importance of open and inclusive governance.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is intended to recognise the vital role Parliaments play globally as pillars of democratic governance.
He noted that this marks the first time Ghana is formally observing the day.
“The gravity of our observance is further accentuated as we convene to witness the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan by the Open Government Partnership Caucus,” he said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, described the Open Parliament Action Plan as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public.
She said the plan represents a bold commitment to making Parliament more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, described the launch as a key milestone in the effort to build a citizen-focused and accountable Parliament.
He added that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is a call to action to recommit to the highest standards of public service and democratic accountability.
The inauguration was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament, members of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, Parliamentary Network Africa, representatives from civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, student bodies, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and other media partners.
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NACOC declares drug menace a national emergency
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has paid a working visit to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to engage with its leadership and assess operational challenges hampering the fight against illicit drugs.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of the Commission’s Research Bureau, highlighted critical setbacks including broken body scanners at airport terminals, inadequate office infrastructure, overcrowded detention facilities, and deteriorating vehicles.
He also called for the Commission’s headquarters to be reclassified as a security zone, citing growing security risks due to private encroachment and nearby high-rise developments.
Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey, described the escalating drug trade as a national emergency, warning that drug barons now rival armed robbers in threat level and are gaining influence at the highest levels.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and morale-boosting interventions to preserve the integrity of NACOC officers.
Chairman of the Committee and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, assured the Commission of the Committee’s commitment to escalate the concerns to Parliament and engage key justice sector stakeholders to fast-track reforms in support of NACOC’s mandate.
